In 2019, former Disney Channel star Bella Thorne faced an alleged blackmail attempt involving private nude photos. Thorne responded by releasing the images herself, aiming to take control before the alleged extortionist could act. She recalled on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, "I just kind of set it out as ... you're not gonna keep taking this from me, so here it is."

Despite her proactive stance, Thorne said the wave of victim-blaming accusations that followed "really, really broke me," leaving her emotionally devastated. She described the public backlash as deeply painful during her podcast appearance.

Thorne also revealed that she worked with the FBI for over a year after investigators contacted her about the case. She shared screenshots with authorities that ultimately helped identify the alleged suspect. The FBI traced the hacker's identity through the social media screenshots Thorne posted.

The incident placed Thorne at the center of a widely publicized controversy, highlighting challenges faced by victims of digital extortion.

Sources